Cling (klĭng), v. i.
[imp. & p. p. Clung (klŭng),
Clong (klŏng), Obs.); p. pr. & vb.
n. Clinging.] [AS. clingan to adhere, to
wither; akin to Dan. klynge to cluster, crowd. Cf.
Clump.] To adhere closely; to stick; to hold fast,
especially by twining round or embracing; as, the tendril of a
vine clings to its support; -- usually followed by
to or together.
And what hath life for thee
That thou shouldst cling to it thus?
Mrs. Hemans.
Cling, v. t. 1.
To cause to adhere to, especially by twining round or
embracing. [Obs.]
I clung legs as close to his side as I
could.
Swift.
2. To make to dry up or wither.
[Obs.]
If thou speak'st false,
Upon the next tree shalt thou hang alive,
Till famine cling thee.
Shak.
Cling, n. Adherence;
attachment; devotion. [R.]
A more tenacious cling to worldly
respects.
Milton.